HISTORY
The word ‘Denmark’ dates back to the Viking age and is carved on the famous Jelling Stone from around 900 AD. Today though Denmark is very different from its historical past. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, Denmark was a superpower whose influence was as powerful as that of the largest European countries. Today, the current size and influence of Denmark is the result of 400 years of forced relinquishments of land, surrenders and lost battles. For a small country though, Denmark still punches above its weight in many different areas including design, architecture, farming, green technology and pharmaceuticals.
Historical Survey
| c. 12500 BC | Immigration of the first hunters |
| 3900 BC | Agriculture and animal husbandry |
| 400-700 | Incipient urbanisation |
| 866-867 | Viking conquest of York |
| c.965 | Introduction of Christianty |
| 1015-1034 | England under Danish rule |
| 1397-1523 | The Kalmar Union with Norway and Sweden |
| 1479 | Founding of Copenhagen University |
| 1536 | The Reformation. Incorporation of Norway in Denmark |
| 1660-1661 | Introduction of absolutism |
| 1666 1917 | Danish colonies in Caribbean |
| 1807 | Bombing of Copenhagen by the English navy |
| 1814 | Norway’s departure from the Union |
| 1848 | Abolition of absolutism |
| 1849 | First liberal constitution, the June Constitution |
| 1864 | Loss of the German duchies |
| 1901 | Introduction of cabinet responsibility |
| 1914-1918 | Danish neutrality during the First World War |
| 1915 | Constitutional reform, enfranchisement of women |
| 1920 | North-Schleswig vote in favor of re-union with Denmark |
| 1940-1945 | German occupation |
| 1945 | Founding membership of the UN |
| 1949 | Membership of NATO |
| 1973 | Membership of the EEC |
| 1993 | Membership of the EU |
